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Definition of postern - 3 dictionary results

pos⋅tern

  [poh-stern, pos-tern]
Use postern in a Sentence
–noun
1. a back door or gate.
2. a private entrance or any entrance other than the main one.
–adjective
3. of, pertaining to, or resembling a postern.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME posterne < OF, var. of posterle < LL posterula, dim. of postera back door, n. use of fem. of posterus coming behind. See posterior, -ule
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To postern
pos·tern   (pō'stərn, pŏs'tərn)   
n.  A small rear gate, especially one in a fort or castle.
adj.  Situated in the back or at the side.

[Middle English posterne, from Old French, alteration of posterle, from Late Latin posterula, diminutive of Latin posterus, behind; see posterior.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

postern 
c.1290, "back door, private door," from O.Fr. posterne, earlier posterle, from L.L. posterula "small back door or gate," dim. of L. posterus "that is behind, coming after, subsequent," from post "after."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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